Our easy apple cobbler with cake mix and fresh apples is an easy dessert you can dump together and bake. If you loved our apple cake with Bisquick you should try this yellow cake mix hack too.
This apple cake with cake mix is an easy treat you can throw together in no time. Using boxed cake mix and slices of Granny Smith apples layered with oats and brown sugar makes a sweet treat your whole family will love. (affiliate links present)
Yes we have made apple desserts from scratch like our applesauce spice cake and that is beyond delicious. It too has many of the same ingredients except the batter is homemade. When you don’t have time for all of that you can get the same moist flavors using a box of dry mix. A hack we have been using for years, now the secret is out. 😉
Great thing about this is that you can use different flavors of mix, and other fruits as well. Our cake mix peach cobbler is the perfect example of that. Only have canned fruit? That is what we used for that one to make it even simpler to throw together.
Cake Mix Apple Cobbler with Fresh Apples
As far as what type of fruit to use there are many varieties out there to choose from. Instead of using pie filling like our blueberry cobbler with cake mix I thought it would be better to cut out some of the sugar. I tried a few. Each has a different taste and texture so you should choose your favorite, but I will go over more info about this later.
They will stay a bit firm, not break down when baked in the heat and give it a bit of tart with the sugar. In order to break down and become soft like we did with our zucchini applesauce muffins I would dice into 1/2″ pieces.
We follow the same process when making Instant Pot apple crisp. The thinner they are the softer they will get so depending on what texture you’re going for should determine how wide they should be sliced.
1 9×13 pan is what you’re going to need to make this one. You are NOT going to follow the instructions to make cake batter on the back of the box. Instead you want it to be much thicker. Use the ingredients listed below and in the recipe card below.
What Type of Cake Mix to Use
When choosing the flavor of boxed cake mix, you want a 15 oz box. Here yellow used but spice would be great if you want more of those Fall flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg. White doesn’t have much of a flavor so I would stick with one of these.
Best Apples for Apple Cake
Granny Smith are the firmest apples with a bit of tartness. They are recommended the most often to bake with so they keep they don’t get too soft and fall apart. It is best peeled so it stays moist and tender. Second choice would be Fuji which are a bit sweeter.
Can you use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
In this case yes, you’d need to follow our apple spice cake recipe for that style. Typically I make that version with spice dry cake mix during the holidays. A great Fall dessert if you want zero prep with vanilla ice cream on top. When I am completely overwhelmed I will go for that version but this is great when I have the time.
Should you peel the apples?
Yes, ideally you want to start off with a few large granny smith apples peeled and sliced. Make sure that all the pieces are relatively the same size to yield the best results for texture and have a few in every bite for your cake mix cobbler.
How Long to Bake Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix
You do want to bake for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. If you use a smaller/deeper pan, you may need to increase your time. The biggest thing is to test the center of it, there should not be any wet batter attached. Serve with preferred vanilla ice cream
Aaaaaand there you have this apple dump cake recipe in a snap. Another idea for a topping, if you think it needs something else would be a bit of frosting. You can do that two ways; either melt a tub and spoon some over the top or whisk together powdered sugar with a bit of milk. Both add moisture and sweetness to the dish. Just one of our many box cake mix hacks we love to do.
Cake Mix Apple Cobbler Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9×13 pan
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples, granny smith peeled and sliced
- 1 box cake mix, 15 oz, yellow used
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup milk
- 6 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon and a sprinkle of salt. Spread the mixture into a preferred baking dish sprayed with non stick spray. (I used a 9 x 13 pan).
- In a separate bowl, combine cake mix, oats (if using), melted butter and milk. Mix until you have a smooth batter. Spread the cake mixture over the seasoned apples.
- Bake at 350 degrees F. for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. (If you use a smaller/deeper pan, you may need to increase your time). Serve with preferred vanilla ice cream
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Make sure you store leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container or wrapped with foil. Slice a piece off, put on a microwave safe dish and add a bit of glaze or a tbsp of milk over the top. Then heat for 1 minute to warm again and moisten it back up again to enjoy for a second go around. A spoonful of ice cream will work to add moisture too.
Other fresh apple recipe you’ll love
Like our old fashioned fresh apple cake recipe it’s best right out of the oven fresh or if warmed up to add some moisture to the insides and top. If you have leftovers it is a good idea to add a bit of something so it doesn’t dry out when heating for a second time.
Made this with a white cake mix was very good! Served with ice cream.
Oh yeah!